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Independent Self-Construal and Opposition to Affirmative Action: The Role of Microjustice and Macrojustice Preferences

NCJ Number
237792
Journal
Social Justice Research Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 341-364
Author(s)
Agnes Zdaniuk; D. Ramona Bobocel
Date Published
December 2011
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This research examined people's opposition to affirmative action.
Abstract
Why are people with a stronger independent self-construal more opposed to affirmative action than those with a weaker independent self-construal? Drawing on prior research, the authors predicted that this is because the former endorse microjustice principleswhich are perceived to be violated by affirmative actionand disregard macrojustice principleswhich affirmative action seeks to ensure. In contrast, people with a weak independent self-construal endorse both microjustice and macrojustice. The results from three studies support the authors reasoning. The author's research contributes to theorizing on affirmative action by illuminating the important role of both microjustice and macrojustice concerns in predicting opposition to affirmative action. The authors discuss the implications of our research within the North American context for increasing people's endorsement of macrojustice in an effort to mitigate opposition to social policies aimed at redressing societal injustice. (Published Abstract)

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